Awareness Of Lymphoedema Research Articles

Lymphoedema management: An international intersect between developed and developing countries. Similarities, differences and challenges

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling condition that contributes to disability, dysfunction and lost quality of life. Significant disparities exist worldwide regarding the availability of resources necessary to identify, treat and manage lymphoedema. This disparity transcends socio-economic status and is a common problem in both developed and developing countries. The overall impact of lymphoedema as a public health problem, however, is underestimated, principally due to the lack of epidemiologic data. These problems pose barriers to optimal identification and management of this disabling, lifelong condition. In 1997, the World Health Organization (50.29) resolved that lymphatic filariasis should be eliminated as a public health problem. A component of this strategy focuses on disability management for those suffering from lymphatic filariasis-related morbidity. This initiative has enhanced lymphoedema awareness in developing countries. However, significant deficits persist in health care providers' knowledge, educational initiatives and basic disease identification and treatment. In developed countries, lymphoedema continues to be an underrecognised condition and assumed to be only cancer-related. Health care resources allocated to treat and manage the disease are insufficient for basic and ongoing care, resulting in disease progression and disability. The International Lymphoedema Framework project, established in 2002, seeks to establish a consensus for best practices in the management of lymphoedema worldwide to reduce this disability burden. A basic global construct for lymphoedema management is needed to decrease morbidity and promote optimal disease management across all cultural and socio-economic boundaries. Many countries are unaware of the importance of lymphoedema management and have not defined a national strategy with respect to this problem. The objective of this article is to define similarities and differences in strategies for lymphoedema management between developed and developing countries and advocate for a cohesive and concerted approach to disease management.

Take care of yourself

Following the Lymphoedema Awareness Week in April of this year, and the ongoing efforts of professionals in raising awareness of this chronic condition to primary care staff and patients, some areas have noticed an increase in referrals to their clinics. There has also been an increase in requests for education in lymphoedema management, especially in the community setting, and this in itself means we must be aware of the tasks involved in providing the care this group of patients needs.

Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema: Attention to a Significant Problem Resulting From Cancer Diagnosis

Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema: Attention to a Significant Problem Resulting From Cancer Diagnosis

Experiences of Living With Non-Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Implications for Clinical Practice

Lymphedema is a chronic medical condition caused by lymphatic insufficiency that can lead to extreme swelling and susceptibility to infection. Physical and psychosocial effects of the condition can have a significant impact on an individual's life and level of participation. Research about experiences of individuals living with lymphedema has focused primarily on women with breast cancer, yet individuals with non-cancer-related lymphedema are a distinct group. In this study, the authors used qualitative description to explore the experience of 7 individuals living with advanced and complicated cases of lymphedema who had been treated in an inpatient setting. Findings reveal the extensive impact lymphedema has on those who live with it. Participants spoke of difficulty finding a correct diagnosis and effective treatment, the importance of their inpatient experiences, and the challenges of daily self-management. The authors make recommendations to increase lymphedema awareness, promote inpatient treatment programs, and create effective self-management techniques.

A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of people with lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema occurs in all age groups and is caused by lymphatic insufficiency. It is associated with a wide range of cancer- and non-cancer-related conditions. Researchers have explored the impact of lymphoedema on quality of life but most studies have focused on breast cancer-related lymphoedema or used specific quality of life tools. The study reported here used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experience of 15 individuals with different types of lymphoedema. Findings highlight the uncertainty surrounding their diagnosis, the difficulties they experienced in accessing appropriate treatment and ways in which they dealt with having lymphoedema. Recommendations are made highlighting the need for increased awareness of lymphoedema and the importance of wider consideration of the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of this chronic condition.

The development, implementation and evaluation of guidelines for the management of breast cancer related lymphoedema.

A project was funded by the UK's Department of Health to develop national guidelines for breast cancer related lymphoedema using a Consensus Strategy. This involved the organization of a consensus conference with a multidisciplinary panel of experts, an extensive literature review, the production of clinical guidelines and the implementation of the guidelines at three pilot sites (breast unit, hospice and community). The EORTC QLQ-30, MOS SF-36 and a standard assessment form were used to evaluate patient outcome. Diaries and semi-structured interviews were used to elicit data on practitioner compliance and practical issues of implementing change using clinical practice guidelines. Results showed stable or improved scores in all categories of physical, social and emotional functioning and a stable or measured decrease in limb volume for 75% of the sample. Qualitative data obtained from practitioners demonstrated high levels of compliance from practitioners and patients and offers useful recommendations. This project highlights the importance of raising awareness of lymphoedema through the development and utilization of research-based, patient-centred guidelines.